In another article, we looked at the decision of the Wisconsin state government to double the minimum liability insurance requirement. It had been $25,000 per individual injured and $50,000 for multiple claimants in a single traffic accident. This doubled to $50,000 and $100,000 respectively. There was a general feeling this would push an increasing number of the poor into driving without insurance. And, as was predicted at the time, one of the results of this change in the law has been an increase in the premiums. In some ZIP code areas, the rates have gone up by as much as 40%. This has put a lot more pressure on family budgets around the state.

At the same time this law was going through the state legislature, a second bill was produced which increases the pressure on law enforcement to check whether drivers are carrying valid insurance. This is a logical development. There is little point in making it mandatory to carry liability coverage if there is no effective enforcement. So, as from June 1st, all drivers in Wisconsin must carry proof of a valid insurance policy in their vehicles.

Writing this in May, the estimate is that about 14% of all drivers in Wisconsin fail to carry insurance. It is a depressing thought but, in national terms, this is quite a low percentage. Although most states have a mandatory insurance requirement, there is poor enforcement and whether through real poverty or a stubborn refusal to comply, some states have relatively high numbers of uninsured drivers on the road. So will this change in the law produce a flood of people suddenly insuring their vehicles? Probably not in the short term! No matter what the law says, people with a choice between eating and insuring their vehicles will almost always choose to eat.

When interviewed on their proposed approach to the new law, local police authorities have said they will start out with education in mind. On all routine stops, drivers will be asked for proof of insurance. If none is forthcoming, they will be told of the law and advised they cannot legally drive away. But the police will not call for the tow truck during the first weeks of June. Think of it as warnings rather than citations. With the coming of summer, the policy will change and citations will be issued for failure to carry. In all traffic accidents, all the drivers involved will be asked for proof of insurance. Read the rest of this entry

Barcelona Holiday Apartments

The question is: how to find the most value for money Barcelona vacation apartment and avoid the pitfalls of fraudulent offers.First you need to find an accommodation suited for your needs and your vacation ideal. For a family (or any group of 3 or more) the best alternative will most certainly be to rent a Barcelona self catering apartment. This option is both for the budget minded as the cost can be as low as approx. 20 euros a night per person. For the more luxury oriented there are apartments of a very high standard as well. The apartment option is also a more rewarding way to stay in Barcelona as guests get to experience a more genuine impression of daily life in the city.

Best vacation rental deal in Barcelona

A clear benefit of staying in an apartment is that you are free to plan meals with your family or other travel companions without consideration of closing times etc. The city is blessed with a large number of traditional markets offering fresh fruit and vegetables, local olive oils, organic meat, fresh seafood etc. After paying them a visit you will not regret having a kitchen to play around in! A good advice is to ask the knowledgeable professionals who work at the stalls for ideas on how to prepare your pickings, and find out what is in season. A vacation rental offers the traveler the chance to learn more about local culture, and with all travel companions under one roof it makes it easier to organize your joint adventures in the city! Read the rest of this entry